The dispute over Ms Roisin McAliskey's extradition to Germany could be resolved before the end of the year, despite the adjournment of a judicial review in the High Court in London yesterday.
Ms McAliskey is wanted in Germany in connection with the IRA mortar attack on a British army base in Osnabruck last year. She is being held on conditional bail at the Maudsley Psychiatric Hospital in London with her six-month-old daughter, Loinnir.
During the hearing, which lasted under five minutes, Mr Justice Kay directed Mr Edward Fitzgerald, appearing for Ms McAliskey, to seek a date for the application on the first available day before Christmas, or next year since there was not time to hear the application. He also pointed out the application must be heard before two judges and since he was sitting alone the hearing would be adjourned.
After discussions with High Court officials a date for the application was set for December 16th. The German government and Ms McAliskey's lawyers are seeking a High Court ruling to force a London magistrate to commit Ms McAliskey for extradition. Ms McAliskey has been unable to attend court because of ill-health, and the magistrate, Mr Nicholas Evans, has refused to extradite Ms McAliskey in her absence.